Kevin Ray James Pleads Guilty to 1997 Bank Robbery Murder of Monica Leech
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Kevin Ray James (DOB 09/23/67), of San Bernardino, has pled guilty to the 1997 murder of Monica Leech during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks, and admitted that he personally used a firearm during the commission of the crime. As part of the plea, James will receive a sentence of 19 years to life in state prison. The Leech and Cavaletto families shared that the resolution provides them with a sense of closure after decades of uncertainty and heartbreak: Losing Monica has been an unbearable tragedy. While nothing can bring her back, we are pleased that the defendant has accepted responsibility for her death. This outcome brings a sense of justice and accountability and allows us to begin moving forward while honoring Monica’s memory. We want to thank investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and prosecutors and investigators with the Ventura County…
Legislation Created and Co-Sponsored in 2024
Assembly Bill 1779 – Combats Organized Retail Theft This crucial legislation, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and signed by Governor Newsom on August 16, 2024, strengthens California’s ability to combat organized retail theft, a growing concern for business owners and communities across the state. “Organized retail theft is not just a financial crime but a threat to the safety of our communities,” said District Attorney Nasarenko. “With the passage of AB 1779, we now have a powerful tool to hold these criminals accountable for crimes against Ventura County businesses, even when their schemes involve crimes in other counties.” Assembly Bill 1831 – Outlaws AI-Generated CSAM Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1831, strengthening laws against child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including AI-generated content. Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman and co-sponsored by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, AB 1831 addresses the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology capable of creating…
In The Courtroom
Oxnard Man Charged with Murder for Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Marks the first time the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a defendant who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug. Thousand Oaks Man Sentenced to 50-plus years to life for Murder, Torture Saul Nava was previously convicted by a jury of nine felony counts including the first-degree murder and torture of his girlfriend, Alisen Takacs-Escobar, and the torture and kidnapping of a previous girlfriend who survived his abuse. Suspected Serial Killer Charged with 1977 Murders Investigators from the Ventura County Cold Case Unit arrested Warren Luther Alexander, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, on three counts of murder, related to a series of strangulation murders that occurred in 1977. Woodland Hills Man Sentenced for Serial Assaults on Hikers & Sleeping Victims Edgar Rodriguez Ruelas (DOB 03/24/82), of Woodland Hills, was sentenced on June 5, 2024, to 32 years to life…
Water Board Member Sentenced for Felony Grand Theft of Water
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Daniel Naumann (DOB 12/24/57), of Camarillo, was sentenced to 30 days in Ventura County Jail, two years formal probation, and ordered to pay restitution. Prior to today’s sentencing, Naumann paid $30,000 in restitution for stealing water for his own agricultural use. Naumann previously pled guilty on March 29, 2024, to one felony count of grand theft of water.
Shooting by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies Found Justified
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that the review of the circumstances concerning the October 4, 2020, shooting of Austin Manzano by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies Robert Medina and Gregory Tougas has been completed.
July 19, 2022
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Tiburcio Emeterio Martinez (DOB 08/11/76), of Ventura, was sentenced by Judge Anthony Sabo to 26 years prison for child molestation, incest, and other sex crimes perpetrated against his minor child.
June 30, 2021
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (AD-44) has secured $1 million in funding for a Ventura County Family Justice Center (FJC) – Oxnard satellite pilot project.
Meet the District Attorney and Our Team
Read the District Attorney’s Letter to Residents and Learn about Our Team
» Learn more
Family Justice Center website
Find resources from the Ventura County Family Justice Center website
» Learn more